8 Great Destinations in Germany

Eight Spectacular German Sights

Neuschwanstein -- Drive a few hours south of Munich to visit the castle that literally inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty: Neuschwanstein. Once the home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this swan-themed, fairy tale structure immerses travelers in opulence both inside and out among the majestic woodland scenery.

Courtesy Trivago

Eight Spectacular German Sights

Neuschwanstein -- Drive a few hours south of Munich to visit the castle that literally inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty: Neuschwanstein. Once the home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this swan-themed, fairy tale structure immerses travelers in opulence both inside and out among the majestic woodland scenery.

Courtesy Trivago

Eight Spectacular German Sights

Heidelberg -- Romantic and regal, this city along the River Neckar attracts visitors interested in touring the large castle that sits on a nearby mountaintop or walking the grounds of one of Europe's oldest universities, associated with 55 Nobel Prize laureates

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Eight Spectacular German Sights

Moselle River Valley -- Named after the river--the left tributary of the Rhein, sharing borders with France, Luxembourg and Germany--the German Moselle wine region is comprised of three cities: Trier (Germany's oldest city), Koblenz and Cochem, where Celts and Romans first cultivated wine more than 2,000 years ago. Come for the vistas, stay for the Riesling.

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Eight Spectacular German Sights

Sylt -- Fun fact: Germany has more than 50 islands. The largest and most intriguing is Sylt, off the North Sea coast, which lures visitors with stretches of sand dunes, promenades, glamorous tourist resorts and a 25-mile-long sandy beach. Sunbathing, skinnydipping, windsurfing and oyster slurping are all encouraged.

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Eight Spectacular German Sights

Dresden -- Once the royal residence of the electors and kings of Saxony, Dresden is known to globetrotters for its grand buildings, museums and historic treasures. Plus, it has a widely known Christmas Market.

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Eight Spectacular German Sights

Munich -- Think outside the beer, lederhosen and pretzel box: Munich offers English Gardens, a five-story Chinese Tower, and manmade waves to surf in the Eisbach River. But for those with subpar surfing skills, watching is also good fun.

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Eight Spectacular German Sights

Cologne -- Cologne may offer more pubs per capita than anywhere else in Germany, but take time out from tippling to explore the Cologne Cathedral, a colossal gothic structure, which took 552 years to complete. The city is especially popular on New Year's Eve and during the Karneval festival held once a year before and after Lent, when revelers flood the city for street parties and parades.

Courtesy Trivago

Eight Spectacular German Sights

Hamburg -- Enjoy a boat trip around the harbor to get your bearings in the city of Hamburg, which offers wild nightlife--the Reeperbahn (Hamburg's red light district) is brimming with bars, clubs, pubs—as well as seminal music hotspots, such as where the Beatles used to play before they were mop-haired megastars.